REDS boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed his City counterpart for developing a team in his own image.

Ferguson, who tried to sign Stuart Pearce as a player when he was at Forest, said the former England defender was developing a team with the same heart, enthusiasm and aggression he had displayed as a player.

And as the two sides gear up for their first derby clash since Pearce took over, Ferguson admitted he was impressed with the way the Blues gaffer had started his managerial career.

"I think everyone remembers Stuart Pearce as a determined, aggressive player, who played with great heart and enthusiasm that gave him a great career in the game,'' he told the League Managers' Association.

"And I think his team are playing exactly like that, I think his team is mirroring Stuart Pearce as the player he was."

And he backed the rookie manager to prove a success in top flight management for years to come.

"People like Stuart Pearce, who go away to prepare themselves and go on courses, are going to have a better chance of making it," he said.